Police are probing astonishing claims that a teenage cancer patient turned charity fundraiser Faked his illness.
Officials at the Clutha Trust charity in Scotland allege Eli Stewart told lies about his terminal disease.
But these claims were denied by Stewart’s outraged mum Carole, 55, who insists he did have cancer and no charges have been brought against him by police.
The 19-year-old allegedly told the Trust and other charities he was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.
He claims his condition was discovered after a knee scan and a biopsy revealed cancer in his lungs and stomach .
In the past year, the youngster has taken part in events to help fund projects for young people.
Stewart was photographed with his head shaved and hooked up to a nasal cannula – was also gifted a £1000 guitar by the charity.
Last November, he was given an all-expenses paid trip to Belfast to see the Titanic exhibition by Project Genie – another group who help vulnerable young people.
Stewart then arranged a concert for the same charity at Ivory Blacks nightclub in Glasgow last December.
Project Genie – run by promoter George Ibbetson – say they have still to receive the cash from the gig and have had no contact from Stewart since.
After he hooked up with the Trust a year ago, Stewart was invited to perform with David Hayman at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow for his charity Spirited.
He also took part in a charity tribute to David Bowie at the Barrowland Ballroom last year.
But towards the end of last year, Crossan became suspicious and challenged Stewart.
Stewart then posted emails he claimed were from Dr Fiona Cowie at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre discussing his treatment.
But when Crossan wrote to Dr Cowie, it’s claimed her office told him she did not send the emails.
A police spokesman said: “We can confirm we have received a complaint and police inquiries are ongoing.”
Crossan said: “We do events through the Clutha Trust to help disadvantaged youngsters.
“This wee guy appeared at the Clutha about a year ago and what we do is give kids a chance to play on a Sunday afternoon. He said he was terminally ill and had only six months to live.”
Crossan became concerned Stewart appeared to be exaggerating his ill health.
He added: “It started off with cancer, then it was epilepsy, then a heart transplant – that was what really raised the alarm with me. He also said he was suffering from seizures.”
He added: “Eli then put up an email from a Dr Fiona Cowie at the Beatson. I wrote to her and her office got back and said, ‘That’s definitely not her’.”
Mirror
